THUNDER STOCKPILE PICKS AND ADD TWO PLAYERS

by Trevor McManus

Langley, BC (January 22, 2017)– On a day that is traditionally known for rest, the Langley Thunder did not adhere to that sentiment. In one day, the organization added for the future and the present in separate deals.

Early Sunday afternoon, the team announced a blockbuster deal that netted them seven draft picks over the course of the next four years.

The Thunder sent the playing rights of Brett Mydske, Joel McCready, and Nathan Stewart to the New Westminster Salmonbellies in exchange for the playing rights of Sean Lundstrom, the 5^th, 6^th, 13^th, & 20^th picks in 2017, the 1^st round pick in 2018, as well as the 2^nd and 4^th round picks of the 2020 WLA Draft.

“This trade was one of the hardest decisions I have had to make in my time in Langley. To trade a guy who has been our leader and the best defensive player in our franchise’s history in Brett Mydske, was not an easy decision,” said General Manager Rob Buchan. “After finishing last in the league, we felt it was time to rebuild our team from the ground up and we are very happy with this deal.”

Langley native Sean Lundstrom is no stranger to the Langley Events Centre. He spent five seasons in Junior A with the Thunder, where he appeared in 60 regular season games, scoring 58 goals and 115 assists for 174 points. He was drafted by the Salmonbellies 8^th overall in the 2014 WLA Draft. In two seasons with New Westminster he appeared in 25 regular season games scoring 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points.

In a separate deal with the Nanaimo Timbermen, the Thunder also acquired the playing rights of Davide DiRuscio in exchange for the playing rights of Kyle Belton.

DiRuscio currently plays for the Buffalo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League and backstops the Cobourg Kodiaks of Major Series Lacrosse, where in 2016 he appeared in three games and had two assists and a 9.66 Goals Against Average.

The 2017 WLA Junior A. Draft will take place on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at the Vancouver Creekside Community Centre. It will be a busy night for the Thunder as they will be on the board with the 1^st overall pick as well as 5^th, 6^th, 8^th, 13^th, 20^th and 22^nd in the first three rounds.

-30-

For More Information:
Trevor McManus, Langley Events Centre, C: 778.881.6367, Trevor McManus
Rob Buchan, Langley Thunder, Rob Buchan